Paceman Nel released by Essex and joins the Indian Premier League

Essex chief executive David East has confirmed that fast bowler Andre Nel is to cut short his stint as the county's overseas player to take part in the Indian Premier League.

The 30-year-old was scheduled to make his last appearance in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy game against Middlesex Crusaders but East confirmed that Nel has been released following their 106-run defeat to Kent.

Nel, who may return to England later in the summer with the touring South Africans, is available to play for Mumbai Indians in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament on Sunday.

Good terms: Andre Nel

East confirmed that Nel, who appeared in three LV County Championship and three Friends Provident Trophy matches for Essex, left on good terms.

"The club has given its full backing to Andre with his request to leave after the Kent game on Friday," East told www.essexcricket.org.uk.

"It is an honour for Essex to have players in their ranks who are attracting the attention of those teams competing in the Indian Premier League.

"We thank Andre for all his efforts during this latest stint with the county.

"Once again he has proved a very popular member of our dressing room and has played his part in the team's excellent start to the campaign."

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria will take up his duties as overseas player when Essex face Leicestershire in the Championship Division Two clash on May 21.

Nel thanked East for letting him depart to the IPL ahead of schedule and has tipped his team-mates to enjoy a successful summer.

He said: "I would like to thank Essex in granting my request to end my time with them early, in order to take up a contract with the Mumbai Indians.

"As always, I have enjoyed my stay with Essex enormously and the excellent way I continue to be treated by the club bodes well for our future relationship should I get another chance to return.

"I've been very surprised considering Essex has such a young side - they are all very mature for their age, keen to do well and eager to learn - which speaks well for the future.

"I've tried to teach them as much as I know and hopefully that has benefited them. It's exciting for the club that this team is doing so well at such a young average age.

"If they can keep their confidence up and do the basics right then I think they have a very good chance of getting promotion in the Championship.

"I will also be very surprised if they don't win a one-day trophy. They have a good batting side so winning a trophy would be a good, and realistic, achievement."

Nel also hoped to be back in England with South Africa for the summer Test and one-day series where he could face Essex in a warm-up match for the Proteas.

"I hope so - I feel fit and have bowled well during my time with Essex," Nel added."I'm eager to return here with South Africa later in the summer and hopefully my stint with Essex will help me achieve that.

"If not there are other opportunities but I want to come back and hopefully get a chance to play against Essex, which will be nice.